Shapes of numbers
Materials.
Cardstock or index cards (or
paper), pencil, ruler, markers, scissors.
Task.
For each number n from one to
ten, cut out a shape (a polygon) from an index card or cardstock that consists
of n one-square-inch squares connected by their sides. Choose shapes which you
like the best, and decorate them any way you like.
For the numbers one and two, you
have no choice. The shapes are one square and two connected squares. For the number
three you have two choices: three squares in a row and an “elbow”. There are five shapes made out of four
squares. Can you draw all polygons built
from five squares connected by their sides? (They are called “pentominoes”*.) For numbers bigger than five, the choice is
so extensive that you can really be original.
Here are the five shapes made from four squares:
